Top interview questions to expect

Top 7 Public Service Enterprise Group (PSEG) Behavioral Interview Questions:

1. Tell me about a time when you had to overcome a major challenge in your work.
2. Give me an example of a time when you had to deal with a difficult coworker or customer.
3. Can you describe a time when you had to work effectively in a team environment?
4. Tell me about a time when you had to make a difficult decision.
5. Give me an example of a time when you had to think creatively to solve a problem.
6. Can you describe a time when you had to deliver a presentation to a group?
7. Tell me about a time when you had to work independently and take initiative.

Check the latest questions for this role:

Answering interview questions with STAR structure

The STAR Framework: A Powerful Tool to Structure Your Interview Answers

The STAR framework is a widely used technique for answering behavioral interview questions effectively. STAR stands for Situation, Task, Action, and Result. Here’s how you can apply this framework:

– Situation: Begin by setting the context. Briefly describe the situation or challenge you faced.
– Task: Explain your role or responsibility in that specific situation.
– Action: Describe the specific actions you took to address the situation. Highlight your skills, knowledge, and problem-solving abilities.
– Result: Conclude your answer by highlighting the positive outcome or the impact of your actions. Emphasize the lessons learned and skills gained.

Sample answers to above interview questions

1. Tell me about a time when you had to overcome a major challenge in your work.

Answer:

I faced a significant challenge when our team encountered technical difficulties during a critical project launch. As the project leader, I quickly gathered my team, assessed the situation, and delegated tasks to mitigate the issues. By working collaboratively, we resolved the problems swiftly, ensuring the project’s successful launch on schedule. This experience highlighted my leadership, problem-solving, and crisis management skills.

Explanation:

This answer effectively utilizes the STAR framework:

– Situation: The situation was clearly set as a technical challenge during a crucial project launch.
– Task: The task was to lead and guide the team in overcoming the challenge.
– Action: The actions taken were gathering the team, assessing the situation, delegating tasks, and resolving the problems.
– Result: The result was the successful launch of the project on schedule, demonstrating leadership, problem-solving, and crisis management skills.

2. Give me an example of a time when you had to deal with a difficult coworker or customer.

Answer:

In my previous role, I encountered a challenging coworker who often displayed a negative attitude and was resistant to collaboration. Instead of avoiding the situation, I took a proactive approach. I initiated one-on-one conversations, actively listened to their concerns, and sought common ground. By showing empathy and professionalism, I was able to build a rapport with the individual, improve communication, and create a more positive work environment for the entire team.

Explanation:

This answer effectively utilizes the STAR framework:

– Situation: The situation was the presence of a difficult coworker with a negative attitude and resistance to collaboration.
– Task: The task was to address the situation and improve the working relationship.
– Action: The actions taken were initiating one-on-one conversations, actively listening, seeking common ground, and demonstrating empathy and professionalism.
– Result: The result was the establishment of a rapport, improved communication, and a more positive work environment, showcasing conflict resolution, communication, and interpersonal skills.

3. Can you describe a time when you had to work effectively in a team environment?

Answer:

As part of a cross-functional team tasked with developing a new product, I recognized the importance of fostering collaboration and effective communication. I actively sought input from team members, facilitated discussions, and ensured that everyone’s ideas were heard and valued. By promoting an inclusive and supportive environment, I helped the team overcome challenges, meet deadlines, and deliver a high-quality product that exceeded expectations.

Explanation:

This answer effectively utilizes the STAR framework:

– Situation: The situation was a cross-functional team tasked with developing a new product.
– Task: The task was to foster collaboration and effective communication within the team.
– Action: The actions taken were seeking input, facilitating discussions, ensuring inclusivity, and promoting a supportive environment.
– Result: The result was overcoming challenges, meeting deadlines, and delivering a high-quality product, demonstrating teamwork, collaboration, and leadership skills.

4. Tell me about a time when you had to make a difficult decision.

Answer:

During my tenure as a project manager, I faced a dilemma when a critical project faced unexpected delays due to unforeseen circumstances. Weighing the options carefully, I consulted with my team and stakeholders, considering the potential impact on costs, timelines, and client satisfaction. Ultimately, I decided to adjust the project plan, reassign resources, and implement contingency measures. This difficult decision allowed us to mitigate risks, minimize disruptions, and deliver the project successfully, maintaining a positive relationship with our client.

Explanation:

This answer effectively utilizes the STAR framework:

– Situation: The situation was an unexpected delay in a critical project due to unforeseen circumstances.
– Task: The task was to make a difficult decision to address the delays and ensure project success.
– Action: The actions taken were consulting with team members and stakeholders, considering the impact on various factors, and implementing contingency measures.
– Result: The result was mitigating risks, minimizing disruptions, and delivering the project successfully, demonstrating decision-making, problem-solving, and stakeholder management skills.

5. Give me an example of a time when you had to think creatively to solve a problem.

Answer:

In my previous role, I encountered a technical issue that hindered our team’s progress. Instead of relying on conventional solutions, I took a creative approach and explored alternative methods. By brainstorming with my colleagues, researching innovative techniques, and experimenting with different approaches, we eventually found a unique solution that resolved the problem effectively. This experience highlighted my ability to think outside the box, collaborate effectively, and find unconventional solutions to complex challenges.

Explanation:

This answer effectively utilizes the STAR framework:

– Situation: The situation was a technical issue that hindered the team’s progress.
– Task: The task was to find a solution to the problem.
– Action: The actions taken were brainstorming, researching, experimenting, and collaborating to find an unconventional solution.
– Result: The result was the resolution of the problem effectively, demonstrating creativity, problem-solving, and teamwork skills.

6. Can you describe a time when you had to deliver a presentation to a group?

Answer:

During my tenure as a marketing manager, I was tasked with presenting a new marketing strategy to our company’s leadership team. Recognizing the importance of engaging and informing the audience, I carefully prepared my content, incorporated visual aids, and practiced my delivery. On the day of the presentation, I confidently presented the strategy, addressing questions and concerns raised by the leadership team. My presentation was well-received, and the new marketing strategy was approved, leading to a significant increase in sales.

Explanation:

This answer effectively utilizes the STAR framework:

– Situation: The situation was the need to deliver a presentation of a new marketing strategy to the company’s leadership team.
– Task: The task was to prepare, deliver, and address questions related to the presentation.
– Action: The actions taken were careful preparation, incorporation of visual aids, practicing delivery, and engaging with the audience.
– Result: The result was the approval of the new marketing strategy, leading to increased sales, demonstrating presentation skills, confidence, and the ability to influence stakeholders.

7. Tell me about a time when you had to work independently and take initiative.

Answer:

As a software engineer, I was tasked with developing a new feature for our company’s flagship product. Understanding the importance of this feature, I took initiative and worked independently to research, design, and implement the new feature. I sought feedback from my team members and ensured the feature aligned with the overall product vision. Through hard work and dedication, I successfully completed the feature on time, receiving positive feedback from both my team and our clients.

Explanation:

This answer effectively utilizes the STAR framework:

– Situation: The situation was the need to develop a new feature for the company’s flagship product.
– Task: The task was to research, design, and implement the new feature independently.
– Action: The actions taken were taking initiative, seeking feedback, aligning the feature with the product vision, and working hard to complete the feature on time.
– Result: The result was the successful completion of the feature, receiving positive feedback, demonstrating initiative, independence, and technical skills.